In Ireland, smoking is no joke. Smoking is banned in public places. This measure is well respected by the Irish… and must of course be followed by foreign travellers… on pain of rather hefty fines! Eventually, smoking in Ireland should become a thing of the past. The reason: a particularly strong anti-smoking policy!
Temple Bar district – © Rolf G Wackenberg
Let’s face it: Ireland is one of Europe’s strictest countries when it comes to tobacco legislation. In 2004, it became the first European country to ban smoking in public and collective places.
At the same time, the Irish government has introduced a number of measures to reduce tobacco consumption in the country. These measures include awareness campaigns, restrictions on the sale and promotion of tobacco, taxes on tobacco products, etc.
The Irish government has set an ambitious target for 2030: to reduce the number of smokers to 5% or less of the total population. By then, it also intends to achieve a smoking prevalence rate of less than 10% among young people aged 15 to 24.
And the good news is that the Irish Department of Health ‘s annual report shows that these targets are well on the way to being met!
Over 96% of Irish people consider the policy a success. It has considerably reduced the number of smokers, as well as the number of smoking-related illnesses (cancers, strokes, etc.). Add to this the prohibitive price of a pack of cigarettes (nearly €12, whether you’re in Dublin or a remote village in Ireland), and you’ll understand just how serious the country is about its health policy.
So forget your cigarette pack in public places. Smoking is prohibited in Ireland in restaurants, cafés, bars, workplaces, public transport and public spaces of all kinds. Smoking is also prohibited within 20 metres of entrances to public buildings…. When it comes to national parks and protected wilderness areas, you can forget it too!
In the event of fraud, the fine can be quite hefty. The Irish police don’t hesitate to penalize even travelers. And be even more careful if you have the misfortune to throw your cigarette butt on the sidewalk! Ireland is serious about health and the environment!
The facade of a house in Ireland – © Gabriel Cassan
Yes, smoking is bad! But if you absolutely must smoke in Ireland, you should know that smokers are allowed to take their cigarettes outside in private areas or in specially reserved zones.
All you have to do is find out before you light up!
Good to know: some B&Bs exceptionally allow smoking (as these places are also considered private spaces). But don’t hesitate to ask the owners beforehand.
Same thing if you’re renting a cottage: some are non-smoking, but others may be more tolerant. Once again, be sure to ask the question before you go ahead… or risk a penalty for smelling the place! Irish homeowners, widely aware of the current anti-smoking policy, are not the type to like the smell of tobacco permeating their curtains and sofas! (And we understand them!).
It’s easier to smoke in a private garden than anywhere else: it’s still the best option!
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